Helene started out with a BA in Economics, spent a large part of her career in London and has a background in television, nutrition, marketing, events and project management. She thrives on multitasking and enjoys the challenge of delivering projects in the not-for-profit space where resources are scarce and the sense of community is a key driver. Helene believes in actively seeking to partner with organisations from a wide range of sectors to encourage an innovative and inclusive culture to the mutual benefit of all. Helene started as a volunteer at Spectrum Space in 2015, before becoming a permanent staff member in August 2017.
Amy has over ten years combined experience working in emergency services across Tasmania and her new home of Western Australia, with a growing passion for wanting to better help her community inspiring further study and completion of a Master of Social Work degree. Following this, Amy found employment as a group facilitator within a residential-based behaviour change program to support those wishing to commit to a life free from violence. Following the birth of her first child and a small stint away from work – Amy was drawn back into the employment sector after seeing the role of Operations Manager at Spectrum Space advertised and believing it was the perfect fit for her. Amy is kept very busy with her baby outside of work, but otherwise enjoys camping, music, escape rooms and eating out.
Ana Palacios has a background in the contemporary arts and after receiving an adult diagnoses of autism, she realised her art practice had emerged as a positive adaptation to the challenges of being neurodiverse. Starting at Spectrum Space as a volunteer in 2017, Ana began working as a visual arts facilitator before expanding her role further. She now mainly concentrates on peer work, development of positive identity, as well as development and facilitation of training and educational courses.
Chris started at Spectrum Space as a volunteer in July 2018 and joined our staff team in October that same year. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Major Human Services) and a Bachelor of Social Work from Edith Cowan University. Chris wholeheartedly endorses the strengths-based approach as best practice for supporting and working alongside Spectrum Space participants.
Manishaa’s journey with Spectrum Space began in 2019 as a volunteer and she joined the office team in May 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Psychology, which she completed at UWA in 2020. During her time as a psychology student and volunteer in the social groups, she gained a deep understanding of the importance of autism awareness in fostering genuine inclusion and acceptance of autistic people in the broader community.
As part of her role, Manishaa assists with the development and facilitation of creative programs and educational workshops for Spectrum Space participants, the community and external stakeholders. She strives to make a positive impact by creating opportunities for autistic individuals to develop and display their strengths, and achieve their goals.
When Manishaa is not working, she enjoys spending time with her own family and two little fur-babies. She loves to read and travel, and is always looking for new adventures to embark on.
Michelle completed her placement with Spectrum Space for her Bachelor of Social Work. She then continued to volunteer for the social groups in term 4 of 2021. Michelle facilitates the Awesome Mandurah and Awesome Rockingham social groups, she also gets involved in the Telethon Holidays Makers Program. Michelle has just finished her Bachelor of Social Work and is a mother of two children. Michelle is passionate about social change and feels that Spectrum Space’s philosophy is inline with her values.
Scott joined Spectrum Space in July 2013 and manages all IT related matters such as the website, social media, newsletters and membership. He also assists with event management and administration duties.
Scott sits on the board as Webmaster of WAADF (WA Autism Diagnosticians’ Forum) since 2012. After 9 long years with WAADF, Scott is stepping down from his role, though he is continuing to support WAADF until a replacement can be found.
Scott grew up with autism and previously worked almost 10 years in a library. He has studied his Certificate 3 and 4 in IT, and enjoys snooker, reading, movies and supports the West Coast Eagles.
In 2017 Scott was a semi-finalist for the Western Australian Young Achiever Awards in the Community Service and Volunteering Award category.
